The phrase “no object” came to mean “not something important” or “not an obstacle” in the late 18th century, originating from newspaper advertising copy. It evolved from the older use of the noun “object” to mean a goal or purpose.
Originally, “object” in English meant “something placed before or presented to the senses.” Over time, it came to signify a material thing that can be seen and touched.
The noun later took on the meaning of a “goal, purpose, or aim,” referring to the end to which effort is directed or the thing sought.
The expression “no object” in the negative form signifies something that will not be considered important or an obstacle. It originated from early newspaper advertisements where “object” meant the aim or goal of the advertiser.
The earliest recorded use of “no object” in this context was in a newspaper ad in 1782, where a woman seeking a job stated that salary would be no object.
The phrase eventually transcended its advertising roots and became a common expression in everyday language. An example can be found in a comedy play from 1799 where a character dismisses the importance of money by saying, “Pha!—money’s no object.”
The evolution of the phrase “no object” showcases how language adapts and transforms over time, reflecting changes in usage and context.
